Ajal Kaba, "My hope is for education and a better life after the referendum"

The optimism sweeping through Southern Sudan over the just-concluded referendum to determine the country's political destiny has infused hope in 15-year-old street child Ajal Kaba, who hopes life will take a turn for the better should the country vote to secede. Kaba spoke to IRIN about his aspirations:



"Originally, I am from Kapaweti area, near the border with Kenya. My parents lost all their livestock in the civil war [between Northern and Southern Sudan] and could no longer manage to feed us. That is why I came to Juba, where at least I get some food from the Somalis who live in the city.



"We [street children] suffer a lot on these streets. The wound you see on my face is a result of being beaten by mujrims [gangsters] who wanted to grab something I had.



"I am often with other street children; we are a mixed group, some of us lost their parents during the struggle [the longest African civil war running from 1956 to 2005 between the Sudan People's Liberation Army and the national army of Sudan] while some of us ran away from their parents.



"I have been in Juba for a while now and I hope things will change after the referendum; I hope that the future government of Southern Sudan will give us a better life and an education.



"I am grateful to the people who give me food sometimes; at least I know they are very nice people.



"I hope my life will change for the better after the referendum."



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